Posts Categorized: Women of HR Series: Career

“How can I find time to attend this networking event when I am already spread too thin between work, my 2 year old, and my graduate studies?” asked one thirty-something overwhelmed professional/student in my office a few months ago. Great question. And one I didn’t have the perfect, fix- it solution for. If I did, I would perhaps be better at my daily juggling act as well.

In competition for jobs today, it makes a difference if you are recommended or referred by someone the company already trusts. You can get your dream job because of your network – because you are connected with someone the company already trusts.

Read that again. That is powerful! Never, never neglect your network because you never know when it will have such a powerful impact on your life.

You can never underestimate the importance of negotiating salary during the interview process. Unfortunately, many people are self-conscious or too shy to ask for what they believe they deserve. Others hate the thought of confrontation with a new employer and think that if they negotiate they are starting things off on the wrong foot. Even though salary negotiating can be uncomfortable, preparation will ensure you are satisfied with the outcome.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work for yourself? Before self-employment becomes a viable option, be sure you’re not buying into any of the myths out there that may lead you astray. As a self-employed home-based business owner since 1995, I’m here to debunk those myths and further help you determine if you should hang out your shingle. Trust me, it’s not for everyone.

Easily forgotten, the 10 minute reference call can make or break your candidacy. We pick our references, but do we prepare them? By the time you get a job offer, it may be months since you gave your old supervisor the head’s up that you were searching.
The worst thing a reference can do is not respond, but a vague response is just as bad when impacting a hiring decision.

I meet a lot of nice people. When I’m interviewing candidates for an entry- or mid-level position, a majority of the applicants would likely do a good job. The opportunity to interview me is a chance for you to demonstrate that you care about more than just the position. Any little bit of extra effort you exert may sway my decision your way.

Having a break in your career can be more frustrating than ever and can move you outside the active job market. Depending on how long you have been unemployed, you may already have have gone through the mental trauma of being ignored – not receiving any interview calls or responses to your job applications. Now the question is, what can you do to make this situation better or what steps can you take to position yourself in a winning spot?

You have a job, so you’re not really worried about your “digital footprint.”

You received so many invitations to join LinkedIn, you finally got yourself a profile. Now, if you could only remember your password. People keep talking about social networking and personal branding, but you are too busy to keep up with all of that; you’re working. Don’t be complacent. A job today is no guarantee of a job tomorrow.

In January, the Wall Street Journal posed the question “Is the Paper Resume Dead?” As it turns out, the answer is “No.” Using information from HR recruiters and managers, as well as tracking sales of high quality paper stock at Staples, the author concluded that a paper resume is still a necessity, especially at places like career fairs.

It’s a confusing time to be in HR and experience the transition from paper resumes to employees who have a social media presence – perhaps even a brand! Employees and job candidates also suffer from the same confusion.

There is nothing more annoying than a constant complainer. Moaning about your work all of the time is unprofessional. It will be a lot more difficult for you to move up the corporate ladder if you are always being negative. It will also be a lot harder for you to get things accomplished.